Gippsland: Drouin members vote 29-16 in favour of returning to West Gippsland

Drouin is making its second bid in seven years to leave the premier league in Gippsland. See the reasons behind the push.

Drouin has secured the backing of members to make a bid to return to the West Gippsland Football-Netball League next season.

The 29-16 vote in favour of rejoining West Gippsland was held at a special general meeting on Monday night, but carried no guarantees the club would be released from its home of the last two decades in the stronger Gippsland league.

In 2018, Drouin attempted the same move and was knocked back despite an overwhelming 58-4 vote in support.

Club president Luke Gilbert said it had not been able to consistently compete at a high level in Gippsland with the added challenge this season of not having its home ground due to a major renovation.

Drouin members have voted in favour of making another bid to leave the Gippsland league. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

He said the club lost 16 regular senior players since last year and the club sits on the bottom of the ladder without a win in 2025.

“The history we’ve had in the West Gippsland league is still quite substantial compared to the Gippsland league,” Gilbert said.

“How we transitioned into the Gippsland league was an organic move through restructuring as opposed to voting to be in there.

“It was just where footy in Gippsland was back then.

“Over 20 years under different coaches, presidents, administrators, multiple strategic plans, and multiple conversations with the league over how we could be better, we’ve given it a good shake.

“We’ve played finals four times in a 20-year period and you accept that.

“But we’ve either been playing finals or coming last or second last.”

Gary Ablett Junior made a cameo appearance for Drouin in the Gippsland league two years ago. Picture: Daniel Heathcote (supplied)

The “travel factor” is also a major driving factor in Drouin wanting out again.

Following the backing of members, Drouin will officially advise AFL Victoria and Gippsland of its intentions before the June 30 cut-off.

Next month, Gippsland and West Gippsland leagues will meet to discuss Drouin’s plans and Gippsland has until the end of August to object which would trigger an appeal to AFL Victoria.

Gilbert said he expected Gippsland to fight hard to retain Drouin.

“We’re only at step one of six steps in this journey,” he said.

“Gippsland has already made it clear they want to hold us.

“The problem being there is no one else who can come in and play in a premier league.”

Drouin is prepared to make the move to West Gippsland without a guarantee it will be a two-tier competition.

Pakenham and Officer have also been linked to a move to joining West Gippsland next year.

“It’s not a lock, but it needs teams to make it happen,” Gilbert said.

Gippsland chairman Andrew Livingstone has been contacted for comment.